Florida Gaming Report: Part 1A

I thought there might be numerous folks on this forum who would find this interesting; a feasibility and impact study on Florida going full gaming, with lots of info and data from other states as examples and contrasts. 320 page .pdf link below.

Florida Gaming 1A

When are we going to have a real craps game?

Well, I can give you 2 answers;

About 3 years after the Florida Legislature gives Broward/Dade special dispensation, which I would peg to mid-2018.

This afternoon, if you join me on the Victory out of Canaveral. lol....

Did the Sterling once. Too long a drive from South West FL. What was the previous name of Victory?

Quote: DeMango

When are we going to have a real craps game?

The Victory out of Port Canaveral,
The Big M out of Fort Myers Beach,
The Escape out of Madeira Beach (Tampa)
is about as "real" as it will ever be for the next few years. The politicians have to get rid of the internet cafes before allowing Broward County its "Destination".

Note: As far as driving, the Victory has several tie ins with cheaper hotels. It also has one night a week where the boarding ticket is also a pass to a strip club in Canaveral.

Well, I will continue to drive past Tampa on the way to Biloxi. The one hour cruise to International waters is the deal breaker. Not the same rule for the East Coast, but Canaveral is a three hour drive one way. No craps at 4 AM anywhere to keep the fleas and stiffs at bay!

Quote: DeMango

I will continue to drive past Tampa on the way to Biloxi. ... No craps at 4 AM anywhere to keep the fleas and stiffs at bay!

Yes, I agree that going to Biloxi is going to be more fun. Its more variety, even if you go to only one casino, there is more than even that larger boat, the Victory, has. And Biloxi is generally a 24 town but Port Canaveral at best is two sailings a day. The trouble is its a heck of a long drive to Biloxi from South Florida, but of course its far shorter than driving to Vegas!!

Frittering away your money at 6:5 in an Indian casino is foolish. Save it up and go to an enjoyable gambling session. Does Biloxi comp you RFB? If so, the drive is probably worth it.

Yea, I don't pay for hotel or food. If I wanted to be stuck there without a car, The Beau will fly you free. The Grand stopped doing that but they do give $50 travel reimbursement for two hours play. Good news for me, I will be in town, next week, at the same time as tutti-gym, so undoubtedly we will discuss that hoax about the pass line.

The Victory was most recently a SunCruz out of Canaveral, but was also the original Sterling, IIRC (the Sterling went to a 6 deck ship w/2 gaming floors). The Victory did a pretty complete overhaul. Victory is having their 2 year anniversary this week. They have craps, OO roulette, (think it's 3 craps 5xodds, 3 roulettes plus Megastar 8 auto roulette but will do a walkaround next trip) 1UTH, 1 LIR+3, 2 3CP, about 100 VP .05-5.00 (but will check if someone cares; there may be higher denoms), about 500 .01-100.00 slots. about 16 tables of BJ is 3:2, $5-500, mostly $5-10 games, S17, DAS, no CSMs (think they're all 6 deck shoe); think there are 1-2 with a sidebet. Sports book on 1st deck. Decks 2-3 smoking only outside 3mile limit; decks 1-4 non-smoking. Outbound takes 30-35 minutes, inbound about 45 minutes; cruise is about 5 hours 2x day except sunday 6hr/5hr. Ship holds about 900 gamblers. They had and removed poker tables; also had and removed VIP/hi-limit slots/vp room, but they kept most of the high-dollar machines.

Victory Website

Sorry, forgot EZbac with a dragon hand (winning 3 card dealer 7). And they indicate they have some kind of automated poker table, but I haven't tried it (haven't even noticed it, but it may still be there).

Yea craps sucks in Florida but the poker action is excellent due to competition.
I live in Tampa and we have 3 poker rooms, Tampa Bay Downs, Derby Lane and Seminole Tampa Hard Rock(bigger then any casino in vegas).
All 3 are very nice rooms. All 3 poker rooms have had major upgrades over the last few years. Great promotions.
Poker in Tampa rocks.

It was a funny side trip. Headed home after a trip to Biloxi. Needed to visit the bathroom. WTH, lets visit the Seminole Hard Rock, about 5 minutes off I-75. Went in, took a dump, got a players card, walked around, seen the $25 Bac, $15 PaiGow, $15 BJ. Took another dump, went home. Haven't been back in now 3 years. I don't care how big your floor is, limited games, high limits, lousy rules, and no craps, sorry, not for me.

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Quote: DeMango

It was a funny side trip. Headed home after a trip to Biloxi. Needed to visit the bathroom. WTH, lets visit the Seminole Hard Rock, about 5 minutes off I-75. Went in, took a dump, got a players card, walked around, seen the $25 Bac, $15 PaiGow, $15 BJ. Took another dump, went home. Haven't been back in now 3 years. I don't care how big your floor is, limited games, high limits, lousy rules, and no craps, sorry, not for me.

I agree the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is a terrible casino in many ways. No craps, high limits. The video poker is around 97% for quarters which sucks. Cant imagine the odds on slots, very tight machines. No free alcohol. It is huge but that's because there is a lack of competition. Nearest casino is hundreds of miles away. It does have a nice huge poker room, I estimate well over 50 tables and the action is fast due to built in shuffle machines that alternate decks.. Plus the poker room has competition from the horse and dog track , which is great so great service and good promotions. I also like the buffet a lot, probably hit it once a month.

For all those who suffer craps deprivation due to the laws in southern Florida, next Monday is I believe the initial sailing date for the Bimini Superfast (Passport and Seventy Dollars) from Miami to North Bimimi.

Leave 9:00am Return at 7:00 pm OR leave at 9:00pm and return at 5:00am. Free buffet.